In a bold and direct press conference, Cristiano Ronaldo wasted no time offering Kylian Mbappe some straightforward advice as the new Galactico at Real Madrid. The Portuguese icon, who had an illustrious career at the Santiago Bernabéu, stated that Mbappe still has a lot to learn about playing as a forward and suggested the French forward could improve by incorporating elements of Ronaldo’s playing style into his own.
“Mbappe doesn’t know how to play as a forward,” Ronaldo said bluntly. “He’s an exceptional talent, there’s no doubt about that. His speed, technique, and finishing are top-tier, but playing for Real Madrid goes beyond individual brilliance. It’s about knowing how to lead the attack, positioning yourself intelligently, and fully capitalizing on every opportunity. If he wants to succeed at Madrid, he needs to adapt his game. He should play like I did.”
Ronaldo, who scored 450 goals in 438 matches for Los Blancos, understands the pressure that comes with playing in front of the passionate Bernabéu crowd. While his remarks may seem harsh, they can be seen as constructive criticism aimed at helping Mbappe transition from being a Ligue 1 star to a Real Madrid legend.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner further elaborated on what he believes Mbappe needs to improve. “When I arrived at Madrid, I had to evolve my game. It wasn’t just about speed or creativity – it was about positioning, timing, and understanding the rhythm of the game. Mbappe has all the right qualities, but he needs to work on these finer details. Real Madrid demands excellence.”
Ronaldo also addressed Real Madrid, urging the club to offer proper guidance to Mbappe. “Real Madrid is the greatest club in the world, but even the top players need support when they first arrive. The coaching staff and senior players must help him adjust to the team’s philosophy. If they do that, Mbappe has the potential to become one of the greats. But right now, he’s not playing like a true forward.”
Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid was anticipated as the start of a new Galactico era, with fans eager to see the Frenchman excel in La Liga and the Champions League. However, Ronaldo’s comments suggest that the transition may be more challenging than expected.
As of now, Mbappe has not publicly responded to Ronaldo’s remarks, but he is known for his self-assurance and professionalism. It remains to be seen whether he will view Ronaldo’s comments as valuable advice or as an unnecessary insult. Regardless, the focus is now on Mbappe to prove himself as not only a world-class talent but also as a player who can handle the immense expectations that come with wearing the prestigious white shirt of Real Madrid.
As Real Madrid pursues their goals of winning both domestic and European titles, all eyes will be on Mbappe to see if he can rise to the occasion and perhaps even surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy.
